Jurisdiction Scan: Air Monitoring & Modelling Programs

Transcription

1 Purpose: Jurisdiction Scan: Air Monitoring & Modelling Programs The purpose of this scan is to provide research summarizing the design and structure of air monitoring and air modelling programs implemented in other jurisdictions, to inform either a Request for Proposal (RFP) or Request for Quotient (RFQ), as Peel Region prepares plans to design an air quality monitoring and modelling program to report on local air emissions in accordance with Policy in the Regional Official Plan Amendment 21 (ROPA 21). Focus: The focus of this scan is air monitoring and modelling programs that have been implemented at a level of organization such as a local, urban or regional level (e.g., cities, counties, regions, districts), that could be adapted by an upper-tier municipality. Jurisdictions reviewed include: The City of Ottawa The Regional Municipality of Halton The City of Montreal Metro Vancouver California Air Quality Management Districts o Bay Area Air Quality Management District o South Coast Air Quality Management District The City of London Counties of Hertfordshire & Bedfordshire, England County of Kent and Medway, England The City of Paris, France Two industry-operated air monitoring network are also highlighted: Hamilton Air Monitoring Network (HAMN) Sarnia Lambton Environmental Association (SLEA) 1

2 Jurisdiction: The City of Montreal, Quebec Description: Under Montreal s Direction de l environnment et du developmmement durable, the Montreal Air Quality Surveillance Network (RSQA) manages 16 permanent air quality monitoring stations. Ambient air concentrations are measured continuously and are transmitted by telephone line to a central computer in real-time. The monitoring network includes stations located in urban areas as well as in industrialized areas. All monitoring stations are part of the National Air Pollution Surveillance network (NAPS) operated by Environment Canada. The RSQA also measures air quality at the Dorval station in relation to airport operations (in partnership with airport authority). The ambient air quality monitoring network provides a tool to target interventions, determine priorities, and develop new regulatory standards. Background / History Regulatory Context Pollutants Equipment / Measuring Principle Evaluation Communication Industrial emissions are a long-standing community concern. In 1959, the City began assessing ambient air quality In 1967, purchased samplers and analyzers. Installed 8-SO 2 monitoring stations The network expanded in 1970 during creation of the Montreal Urban Community (MUC). The MUC includes 29 municipalities, an area of 496 km 2, 85% urban, >1.7 million residents. In 1981, an agreement with the MOE of Quebec allowed the merger of the existing MUC monitoring network with that previously operated by the MOE Quebec. The MUC has an exclusive mandate to control emissions from industry, commercial, residential and institutional sources in its area, and ensure initiatives to reduce air pollution are implemented. / NO H 2 S Particulate TSP PM 10 PM 2.5 Pollens ~170 VOC s & semi- VOC s Ultraviolet Fluorescence Absorption IR Chemiluminescence Ultraviolet Absorption Ultraviolet fluorescence after oxidation High volume, dichot with select inlet size, TEOM Environment Canada Laboratory Analysis Annual Reports Website ( (French only) Communication of the air quality index at each station Participates in Quebec s INFO- Smog Program on air quality forecasts Electronic panel located within the McGill Metro Station to inform the public about air quality downtown Montreal 2

3 Jurisdiction: The City of Ottawa, Ontario Description: The City of Ottawa has piloted an unique air quality mapping project that combined data from a satellite monitoring system, two stationary air quality monitoring systems, three mobile testing units and many passive samplers to create map of Ottawa's air pollution concentrations. These air pollution maps, which identify areas of concern and help track sources of pollution, will assist in designing effective environmental and public health protection measures including developing new policies and approaches to managing air quality effectively. The total cost of the pilot project was $340,000 of which the City s contribution was $20,000. The main sponsor of the study was GeoConnections (Natural Resources Canada), who provided $149,000. Other partners included Transport Canada, Environment Canada, Health Canada, Ontario Ministry of the Environment, Ministère du Développement durable, de l Environnement et des Parcs Québec, and the Ottawa International Airport. Background / History Regulatory Context Pollutants Equipment Evaluation Communication The City identified the need for a more accurate understanding of air quality in the Air Quality and Climate Change Management Plan. At that time, Ottawa had 1 monitoring station that generated limited data for studies and environmental assessments. The pilot project was conducted in Ottawa and Gatineau, between July 2007 and June The City s Air Quality & Climate Change Management Plan, approved by Council in 2005, outlines the City s commitment to manage and improve air quality by The National Capital Air Quality Mapping pilot project provides comprehensive baseline data that the City can use to monitor air quality and pollutants over time. Participation in the pilot project permitted the City to expand its monitoring and to get a snapshot of air quality in Ottawa-Gatineau over a 12-month period. Six major pollutants were measured in hourly intervals at a 1-km grid resolution: NO NOx PM 2.5 Air quality was measured and monitored at four permanent stations: 2 in Ottawa (Wurtemburg St & the Experimental Farm) 2 in Gatineau (La Pêche and Hull). Mobile air quality labs rotated between 8 different sites within the 2 cities. This ground monitoring supported the satellite data used to monitor the National Capital Region. The project demonstrated the usefulness of satellite data for providing baseline data at regional level. The City plans to continue to use its existing equipment to monitor air pollutants on an ongoing basis. Pollutants were below the CWS 95% of the time and below the WHO standards 86% of the time. Major roads & intersections experienced localized air quality readings exceeding standards under certain met and traffic conditions. Communication Online, interactive mapping tool, search by: pollutant type, date, time of day Contact: Natividad Urquizo Air and Energy Initiatives, City of Ottawa Tel: , ext

4 Jurisdiction: Regional Municipality of Halton Description: Halton Region has a comprehensive air quality program consisting of 5 elements targeting community emissions (1) air quality modelling (2) stationary air monitoring (3) portable air monitoring (4) policy development and (5) education and awareness raising. Background / History Regulatory Context Pollutants Equipment / Measuring Principle Evaluation Communication In 2005, the MOE Central Region donated ~$ 326,500 worth of air monitoring equipment to the Region. Health Dept approached industry with a number of options for an air monitoring network; unable to raise $$ or interest (since monitoring not directed at industry emissions). Rapid growth in North Halton was an opportunity to examine the impacts of urbanization and traffic flow on air quality Two FTE hired to support the air program In 2007, Regional Council endorsed the air quality program, lead by the Health Department. Work supports Halton Region Strategic Plan activities and Regional Official Plan (ROPA 38) Amendment Portable, stationary monitors and modelling target the 5 common air pollutants: NOx (NO & NO 2 ) PM 2.5 Modelling VOC and PM also (emissions only) 2 Portable Monitors: Airpointer ~120kg Self contained Low voltage electrical lines Wireless technology 1 Stationary Monitor: QA/QC, MOE audited Modelling CALPUFF/CALMET Mobile6C (O 3 ) 2-km grid resolution 1 st annual report comparing air quality across Halton in 2009 (data from Halton s stationary monitor and MOE monitoring sites). Research recommendations incorporated to support separation distance recommendations in ROPA for sensitive land uses near line sources of emissions. Website: Stationary site generates AQHI Staff reports Technical research reports Education (air quality, health effects, climate change, etc) Resources Print resources available Health promotion campaigns Website: Staff Report MO outlines 5 options proposed for the air monitoring network (2007) 4

5 Jurisdiction: Metro Vancouver (Greater Vancouver Regional District) Description: The Metro Vancouver air quality staff operate approximately 20 of the province s 100 continuous air monitoring stations. There are also mobile air quality monitors in Metro Vancouver (and throughout the province). The Air Quality Monitoring Network collects hourly data and allows the GVRD to compare concentrations of key air contaminants with air quality objectives. In addition to the permanent monitoring program, Metro Vancouver conducts special air quality studies to gather data in an area of particular concern not covered by the fixed network, contribute to co-operative air quality research with other agencies, and respond to air quality emergencies. Short-term monitoring projects may use a variety of instruments individually at a site or combined into one of the Mobile Air Monitoring Units. Background / History Regulatory Context Pollutants Equipment / Measuring Principle Evaluation Communication Metro Vancouver adopted its second Air Quality Management Plan (AQMP) October The 2005 AQMP is strategic in nature providing a vision, goals, strategies, new health-based ambient air quality objectives and actions that will guide air quality management in the region over the next decade. Under the Environmental Management Act, Metro Vancouver (the Greater Vancouver Regional District) is delegated authority to manage air quality within its boundaries. It administers laws that regulate emissions from industrial, commercial and industrial sources, through permits, compliance promotion and enforcement. A key role is establishing ambient air quality criteria that may be different but no less stringent (or more stringent) than requirements established by the province. Continuous: PM 10 & PM 2.5 TRS or H 2 S Mobile Air Monitoring Lab: PM H 2 S TEOM & BAM UV Photometry Chemiluminscence UV Fluorescence Nondispersive Infrared Photometry Pulsed Fluorescence Continuous stations are equipped with data analyzers attached to data loggers. A central computer polls information and incorporates into databases. Data is posted to B.C.'s Air Quality Readings, and is validated by MOE staff. Evaluation of air quality management plan actions: The AQMP uses an adaptive management approach, with progress reports on the AQMP prepared every two years. Since 1985, the GVRD has used an AQI to provide residents with information about current outdoor air quality. The new AQHI has now been created to replace the old index and report on the short-term health risks posed by a mixture of air pollutants. Mobile monitors measure met conditions, continuous & noncontinuous samples. 5

6 Jurisdiction: Bay Area Air Quality Management District, California Description: In the State of California, the Air Resource Board is responsible for monitoring the regulatory activity of California's 35 local air quality districts. Each district has its own regulations. The Bay Area Air Quality Management District is the public agency entrusted with regulating stationary sources of air pollution in the nine counties that surround San Francisco Bay. Today, the primary function of the Air Monitoring Program is to operate and maintain a 27 station monitoring network, including necessary repair, maintenance, and quality control activities. The monitoring network provides data required to determine attainment status of both National and State ambient air quality standards. Additionally, a network of toxics monitors collect data to insure permit conditions are met, for State and National programs. Sampling projects in specific communities, including PM 2.5 speciation sampling and other short-term studies provide data for the development of Clean Air Plans, new and modified regulations, and further for understanding of air quality in the Area. Background / History Regulatory Context Pollutants Equipment / Measuring Principle Evaluation Communication The Air District is governed by a 22- member Board of Directors composed of locally elected officials who oversee policies and adopt regulations for pollution control. The Air District is assisted by an Advisory Council of community, health, environmental, and other organizations. An independent Hearing Board adjudicates regulatory compliance issues and also hears appeals of permitting decisions. California Legislature created the Air District in 1955 as the first regional air pollution control agency in the country, recognizing that air emissions overflow political boundaries. There are nine counties in the San Francisco Bay Area which form a regional air basin, sharing common geographical features and weather patterns, and therefore similar air pollution burdens, which cannot be addressed by counties acting on their own. Monitoring Network: NOx (NO&NO 2 ) H 2 S PM 10 & PM 2.5 Hydrocarbons Elemental carbon Organic carbon Various HAP s Emissions Inventory (collected from biogenic, mobile, & point sources) TAC s GHG s Air quality models: CMAQ for PM CAMx for O3 & toxics Emissions processing : EMS95 SMOKE model Meteorological modelling: MM5 WRF model CALMET Monitoring sites meet a strict set of Site Selection Guidelines issued by the EPA and the State to ensure accuracy and uniformity. Two portable air monitors are placed in communities of interest for 1-2 years, to compare local air samples with the monitoring networks. The Community Air Risk Evaluation (CARE) program was initiated in 2004 to evaluate and reduce health risks associated with exposures to outdoor TAC s. The program examines TAC emissions from point, area and on-road and offroad mobile sources with an emphasis on diesel exhaust, which is a major contributor to airborne health risk in California. Website: Hourly, daily, monthly, annual pollutant concentration reports available for each monitor Annual Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Report s available Policy development issues of environmental justice 6

7 Jurisdiction: South Coast Air Quality M anagement District, California Description: In the State of California, the Air Resource Board is responsible for monitoring the regulatory activity of California's 35 local air districts. All of California is divided into air basins, which are served by either county air pollution control districts or multicounty air quality management districts. Each district has its own regulations. California's 35 local air districts are responsible for promulgating rules and regulations for stationary sources. The South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) operates 35 permanent, 2 port study, and 5 lead air monitoring sites in the South Coast Air Basin and a portion of the Salton Sea Air Basin in Coachella Valley. Background / History Regulatory Context Pollutants Equipment Evaluation Communication The area covers 6,745 miles 2 with a population of 14.6 million, while the larger South Coast district boundary includes 10,743 miles 2 and a population of 15 million. Monitors assess background, high concentrations, pollutant transport, population exposure, representative, source impacts, trend analysis, and site comparison. Special monitoring programs are conducted for rule compliance or to characterize TAC s and other criteria pollutants in sub-regional areas, communities or to support modeling and planning efforts. In 1977, the California Legislature created the SCAQMD, merging the air pollution control districts of 4 counties. 40 CFR 58 describes the minimum monitoring requirements for criteria pollutants based on population. Special Monitoring Programs are not designated as a Special Purpose Monitor under 40 CFR Monitoring: PM 10 & PM 2.5 Particulate Pb BAMs & TEOMs for particulates Key studies: MATES II & III Air Monitoring Network Clean School Bus Program Air Quality Issues in School Site Selection Guidance Doc Guidance Doc for Assessing Air Quality Issues in General Plans & Local Plans: A reference for local governments within the SCAQMD Environmental Justice Program Cumulative Impacts Reduction & the White Paper Real Time Reporting / Modeling is used to provide data to EPA s AIRNOW system which reports air pollution on a real time basis to the general public. Data is also used to provide accurate and timely air quality forecast guidance to residents of the South Coast basin. 7

8 Jurisdiction: City of Paris, France Description: AIRPARIF is the association for monitoring air quality throughout the Île-de-France. AIRPARIF's task is to measure air quality and evaluate the associated health and environmental effects. AIRPARIF forecasts air pollution episodes, develops modelling tools, and ensures that the general public, authorities and researchers are informed by providing them with the necessary data. AIRPARIF has 65 stations: 47 permanent automatic stations and 18 temporary stations close to traffic. They are spread over a 100 km radius around of Paris and they measure the quality of the air the population breathes (more than 11 million inhabitants in the region). There is also a station at the top of the Eiffel Tower observation. This tool is used for research purposes. Background / History Data from the monitoring network is supplemented by modelling tools and measurement campaigns. There are 3 types of monitoring sites: Background; Traffic; Observation Regional Modelling: region-wide NO 2 and O 3 are modelled based on data from the observation network (Eiffel Tower) Roadside Modelling: Annual evaluation of the concentrations of CO, NO, benzene and PM 10 near main intersections. Emission Inventories: Quantities of emissions by sector and year (kt/a) Regulatory Context Under the Air Act of December 30, 1996, AIRPARIF, the agency responsible for monitoring air quality in Ile-de- France, has a regulatory requirement to perform 4 functions: monitor air quality forecast pollution episodes assess the impact of emission reduction measures notify the authorities and citizens of daily during a pollution episode. Pollutants Equipment Evaluation Communication Monitoring: Benzene Ethylbenzene m+p-xylene & NO o-xylene PM 10 & PM 2.5 Toluene Emission Inventory: NOx 2 PM 10 VOC Ammonia Methane 8 Background stations include urban, suburban and rural stations, representative of general pollution of the surrounding area. Urban and sub-urban stations measure primarily NOx, O 3, PM, and SO 2. Rural stations track long range transport. Traffic stations are located close to traffic on the sidewalk; 6 in the urban area are equipped with automatic equipment, others are equipped with manual samplers (chemical tubes). Roadside Modelling: Street software, developed by the Kisters company v.4 For the first Atmosphere Protection Plan, AIRPARIF has been approved to model pollutant emissions for 2010 and forecast emissions with reduction measures in the Plan. Annual trends in air quality indicate trend with respect to industrial pollution (SO 2 ) and contrasting changes with respect to traffic pollution (NO 2 ) 2004 roadside modelling indicated almost all major intersections in the urban area exceeded NO 2 & benzene objectives; some exceeded PM 10 objectives. Online isopleths of max NO 2 and O 3 historical levels for the Ilede-France region and the Paris urban area; available starting 2004 (regional modelling data). Annual ambient air reports Mapping air pollution index, color isopleths, for yesterday, today, tomorrow on the website Hourly pollutant levels at traffic stations available on the website in near real-time.

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10 Jurisdiction: City of London, England Description: The London Air Quality Network (LAQN) was formed in 1993 to coordinate and improve air monitoring in London. The LAQN is facilitated by the Association of London Government on behalf of over 30 London boroughs. Each borough funds monitoring activities in its own area and supplies its data to the LAQN. Data from boroughs is increasingly being supplemented by monitoring from local authorities surrounding London (e.g., Essex, Kent, Surrey), recognized that this provides a more accurate picture of air quality. The Environmental Research Group (ERG) at King s College operates and manages the LAQN and funds core LAQN activities. The Department for Food, Environment and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) supports and assists with the operation of the LAQN in general and funds the ERG at King s College to maintain approximately 8 LAQN sites that affiliate to the United Kingdom Automatic Urban and Rural Network (AURN). Background / History Regulatory Context Pollutants Equipment Evaluation Communication See paragraph above European laws set standards (known as Directives) for some pollutants and requires national governments to monitor air quality to show that the standards are not exceeded. The Government's National Air Quality Strategy makes it the responsibility of local authorities to use monitoring information to assess air quality in order to show that Standards will not be exceeded in their area by certain deadlines. Continuous NOx PM 10 hydrocarbons Passive: Benzene 2 types monitoring: Automatic / Continuous Non-automatic passive/active samplers. Continuous analyzers: High resolution Strict QA/QC >100 sites Real-time data Passive sampling: 2-3 weeks Simple & inexpensive screening tool hot spot analysis to direct further study annual and quarterly reports >21 research reports re: monitoring refinement, land use planning, health etc., k/london/asp/reports.asp? ReportType=All Examples of reports: The impact of the Congestion Charging Scheme on ambient air pollution Evidence for increasing primary PM10 in London, The associations between air quality and the number of hospital admissions for acute pain and sickle-cell disease in an urban environment Data available online: Interactive maps showing hourly realtime data, downloaded from LAQN monitors Statistics and graphs Research reports Social media: i-phone app Twitter Feed 10

11 Jurisdiction: Hertfordshire & Bedfordshire Air Quality Network, England Description: The Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire Air Quality Network provides a central source of information on air pollution issues for the public, for researchers and for local authorities. The network aims to: provide the public with easy and free access to information about the quality of the air that they are breathing, provide regular reports comparing air quality across the region, assist in developing local and national strategies to improve air quality, set up an archive of monitoring results, and ensure a consistently high standard of monitoring data across the region. Background / History Within the two counties, officials from 13 local authorities (i.e., boroughs and districts) have worked to integrate air quality data and information exchange for a number of years in the past. The co-operation was formalized in 1999 with the creation of the Network, principally to collate and report air quality monitoring results from across the region. The Luton airport, which carries out its own monitoring within the airport boundary, joined the network in Regulatory Context The network is operated and managed by the Environmental Research Group at King s College, London. Pollutants Equipment Evaluation Communication Rural Industrial Urban / background PM 10 Roadside PM 10 Passive samplers (diffusion tubes) and 17 continuous sampling sites Network consists of: 2 rural sites 2 industrial sites > 12 urban / background sites > 12 roadside sites Monitoring to compare annual air quality statistics per monitor with government s air quality objectives Air quality management is the responsibility of the local authorities and districts. Internet: Annual and monthly reports Real-time data from continuous analyzers Historical data from passive and continuous analyzers Graphical trends in air quality data Comparison to air quality objectives Maps of monitoring sites Graphical isopleths Health effects information 11

12 Jurisdiction: Kent and Medway Air Quality Monitoring Network, England Description: The Kent and Medway Air Quality Monitoring Network formed in 1997 to ensure a coordinated approach to air quality monitoring and reporting across the county. The network is funded by the districts and boroughs within the county with an additional support from Kent County Council. The Air Quality Monitoring Network aims to promote the improvement of air quality within the region, help the local authorities meet obligations under Environmental Regulations, and maintain an accessible database for public reporting, research and development. Background / History Limited information available online see paragraph above Regulatory Context Limited information available online see paragraph above Pollutants Equipment Evaluation Communication Roadside or Curbside monitors NOx (NO&NO 2 ) PM 10 Rural monitors NOx (NO&NO 2 ) Suburban monitors NOx (NO&NO 2 ) PM 10 Urban background monitors NOx (NO&NO 2 ) Urban Industrial monitors NOx (NO&NO 2 ) The Kent & Medway network consists of: ~17 roadside or curb sites 1 rural site 1 suburban site ~9 urban background sites 1 urban industrial site Additionally, local authorities supplement continuous NO2 analyzers with > 400 passive samplers (diffusion tube) throughout the county Annual and monthly reports on air quality statistics relative to air quality objectives Equipment evaluation: Comparison of NO 2 diffusion and automatic analyzers Comparison of diffusion tube performance at different types of sites Website: Air Quality and Health section Monthly and annual reports Interactive maps describing hourly air quality per station 12

13 Jurisdiction: Hamilton Air Monitoring Network (Industry) Description: The Hamilton Air Monitoring Network (HAMN) represents a number of industries carrying out air quality monitoring as per Ministry of the Environment s Source Emissions Monitoring (SEM) program. The Network is industry funded. HAMN plays a role in helping to determine where progress is occurring and identifying area s requiring attention. The HAMN program encompasses operation of the samplers and monitoring network, laboratory analysis of the air samples, and quality assurance activities. Background / History Point source air quality monitoring network has been operated, serviced and maintained by the HAMN since May Prior to 2003 the MOE and Environment Canada monitored air quality in Hamilton through 3 monitoring stations in Hamilton as part of its provincial network (which have since remained under MOE operation) Data is collected to support MOE-industry abatement programs Regulatory Context It is HAMN s responsibility to provide the MOE with access to realtime data and notification of exceedances (AAQC s) MOE carries out required QA/QC The MOE reviews data reports and carries out analysis to assess trends in air quality. Pollutants Equipment Evaluation Communication Real-time continuous measurements at sites located around industrial areas: TRS NO NOx PM 10 Non-continuous samplers: TSP VOC s PAH s Metals Meteorology: Wind speed Wind direction Temperature Rainfall Barometric pressure Annual reports available online HAMN collects ~225,000 real-time hours of data and has average >97% of valid data collected annually over the past 6 years. Member industry companies are provided with real-time web-based access for all current and historical data. HAMN provides the MOE with real-time access to all continuous monitoring data and provides quarterly data summary reports for all continuous and noncontinuous data, as well as notification of exceedances of standards (AAQC s) 13

14 Jurisdiction: Sarnia Lambton Environmental Association (Industry) Description: The Sarnia Lambton Environmental Association (SLEA) is a non-for-profit co-operative comprised of over 20 industrial companies in the Sarnia-Lambton area of southwestern Ontario (SWO). Since 1952, SLEA has monitored ambient environmental conditions (water, air, soil) to assess the impact of local industry on the environment. The air monitoring network is operated and maintained by third-party consultants: ORTECH Environmental and Pollutech EnviroQuatics Limited. SLEA s air quality monitoring network was specifically developed to help member companies track changes in local air quality over time, and partially to share the information with government agencies and the local community. Background / History In 1952, 3 local industries formed the St. Clair River Research Committee, which concentrated research and studies towards SO2 and PM as well as contaminated sites (soil). In 1967, the organization expanded to include 14 companies, at which time it was chartered as a non-forprofit organization, the Lambton Industrial Society In 2000, the organization was renamed SLEA. In 2008, SLEA became the new administrator of CVECO (community alerts) and CAER program (providing community education) Regulatory Context Private, volunteer co-operative, industry funded SLEA monitoring network is linked to the Lambton Industry Meteorological Alert Regulation (Reg 350/90) Pollutants Equipment Evaluation Communication Pollutants related to industrial processes: NOx VOC s PM 2.5 TRS Meteorology 7 continuous air monitoring stations strategically situated upwind and downwind of local industrial facilities over a 20 km stretch Hourly real-time data Since 2001, 1 mobile monitoring unit (self contained trailer) on standby to respond to local air quality emergency and for use by member companies to undertake on-site monitoring during equipment installations & maintenance Tracks long term trends in air quality Annual reports available on website Lending library of resources (journals, reports, monographs) 14